Poultry industry experts examine competitiveness in global market

Top poultry professionals dissected the strengths and weaknesses of the U.S. poultry industry among its international competition during the Poultry Leadership Roundtable at the 2012 International Poultry Expo on January 23. 
Watch videos:
• Excess poultry production can drive down prices 
• US poultry industry recognizes importance of global trade
The event, sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health, included discussions on the effects of politics, the cost of labor, company consolidation and production rates on the global poultry market.
Gordon Butland, director of G&S Agri Consultants. Co. Ltd., said overproduction of poultry is a serious problem. The excess capacity in Brazil, Thailand and elsewhere is undermining profitability in the global poultry industry and while 2011 was difficult, 2012 may be even more difficult, said Butland.
Jim Sumner, president of the USA Poultry & Egg Export Council, talked about U.S. poultry industry executives changing their attitudes about exports with their recognition of the growing importance of international trade. With the U.S. fighting the necessary legal battles to reopen its trade access to China, Sumner said he believes the U.S. has a 99 percent chance of prevailing, with the assistance of the World Trade Organization, in its case against China.
You can also watch videos of Butland and Sumner discussing competition in the poultry industry.